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First Spiritual Exercises – Opening the Heart

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Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame.

I will seek him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but found him not. The sentinels found me, as they went about in the city. “Have you seen him whom my soul loves?” Scarcely had I passed them, when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go.

Song of Songs 3:2-4; 8:6-7

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1. Desire...I ask the Spirit for Inflamed Love.

I find and hold an object that symbolises burning love of God for me.

I consider, 'Where is the love of God flaring in my life'?

'Where is the inflamed love of God absent in my life'?

'What is the contrary or reverse of inflamed love for me'.

I ask the Spirit for the blazing love of my Creator and Lord, an intense love that sweeps all else away, so that I may love only what the Lord desires for me.

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2. Relish...Today I choose the Way of Fire.

I choose the fire and passion of my love for God, led by the good spirit.

I reject the way of a dark, joyless separation from God, led by a bad spirit.

I turn and walk in the contrary direction, from gloom to fiery love to peace.

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3. Free... I live in the Fiery Trinity.

I imagine I am in a circle surrounded by the Trinity of Loving Fire, Father, Jesus and Spirit.

Each address me by name, saying, ‘The fire of the Spirit dances on your head.'

I rest for a moment, in the Pentecost of God's love. I feel my heart catch alight.

I conclude giving thanks for the Spirit of Loving Fire.

PRAYER TIME: 10 minutes.

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Click here to download the prayer of Opening the Heart.

Maytime Fair Saturday 6 May

Save the date! The Jesuit Mission Maytime Fair returns on Saturday 6 May at Xavier College, Kew in Melbourne.

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The Maytime Fair has been held at Xavier College on the first Saturday in May every year since 1952 (except for the ‘lockdown years’), raising funds to support the many educational and social outreach programs of Jesuit Mission.

All proceeds from the day go directly towards supporting at-risk communities across over 10 countries in Asia and Africa, including Cambodia, Timor-Leste, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malawi and more.

“We look forward to coming together again in solidarity as one faith community, to uplift our sisters and brothers on the margins," said Helen Forde, CEO of Jesuit Mission Australia.

Since the year 2000, the Maytime Fair has raised over $3 million to help provide a range of targeted support and training that empowers women, men and children to develop the skills and capacity to lift themselves out of poverty and injustice.

The Fair will include entertainment for parents and children with a huge array of food, music, rides, arts and crafts, games, plant stalls, book stalls, a wine auction, sport, face painting, raffles, showbags and lots more.

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“Thank you to our generous volunteers, the Maytime Fair Committee, local parishes and to all schools involved. Your hard work and effort in preparing year-round make this day possible," said Helen.

You are invited to join the Xavier College community in supporting Jesuit Mission at the Maytime Fair on Saturday 6 May.

When: 9:00am – 5:00pm Saturday 6 May 2023
Where: Xavier College Senior Campus, 135 Barkers Road, Kew

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Hope for people living with a disability

Your support is helping to open up a new world for people living with a disability in Cambodia.

For 33-year-old mother Charaya, Karuna Battambang Organisation’s (KBO) program has been life-changing for her daughter who was born with an intellectual disability and epilepsy.

“The Centre staff taught my daughter how to feed herself and practice good hygiene," said Charaya.

Before being a part of our project partner KBO’s program, Charaya’s daughter was having seizures three times a day and she could not feed herself or take herself to the bathroom.

Now at six years old, Charaya’s daughter has significantly improved.

“The program provides medicine that controls her seizures and secondly, they teach the children how to eat, speak and improve their cognitive abilities," she said.

Charaya and her daughter come to the KBO Centre according to a treatment action plan developed with the KBO staff and she also receives home based care from the staff.

The project has benefitted the whole family. Charaya is proud that her daughter is becoming independent and that the family now has a much greater understanding on how to support her development.

Charaya and her daughter attending a class at the KBO Centre.

“Now she goes to kindergarten at the local school. She loves playing with her friends and tries hard to concentrate on her studies," said Charaya.

Your compassionate support is providing hope and opportunity to many people living with an intellectual disability and autism across rural Cambodia. Thank you!

Building futures

“The best thing at school is studying," says Sulendra, a 16-year-old student at the Jesuit-run Masi Marsal (Light of the Messiah) High School, in the Bokaro district of Jharkhand, India.

“At home, in my village, all the boys my age are not there. They go to work in the factories. Here we study well, the facilities are new and I have many friends here."

Run by the Jesuits in Hazaribag, in collaboration with the FCC Sisters, the high school provides quality education to young people, like Sulendra, from indigenous tribal groups in the region – including the Santhals.

The Santhals are amongst the most marginalised and poorly-educated people in India, and the school aims to help bring social justice and dignity to the Santhal people through the education of the next generation of children.

Many Santhal students live in extremely remote locations, making it difficult to travel to school each day. As a result, these students end up sleeping at the school.

Now, thanks to the generosity of people like you, the school will begin construction of a Boys’ Hostel.

The Hostel will provide safe and comfortable living quarters for students, enabling them to have privacy, dignity and better participate in their life-changing education.

“I’m very happy about the new hostel. The hostel will have many new facilities and we can be comfortable and focus on our studies better," said Sulendra.

With your kind support, young people living with structural injustice – whose homes are often unsuitable for study – will have a safe, welcoming place to begin a journey of empowerment that will help them to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

First Spiritual Exercises – Independence

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Jesus went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others.

They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Matthew 15:29-31

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1. Desire...I ask the Spirit for Independence.

I create two sounds on the same object or instrument, e.g., bamboo, glass or wind instrument. They can be a closed and open sound, sad and joyful sound, discordant and musical sound, sound of death and resurrection, even two notes in the one song.

What makes this a symbol of independence is that two sounds are made on or through the same object, or instrument, which is me or my life.

My independence from disability, a cycle of poverty, or a change through education, livelihood training or an income-generating project, is a new song in my life. I sound different.

I ask the Spirit for the means to become Independent.

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2. Relish...Today I live in the Enabling Trinity.

I imagine I am surrounded in a circle by the Enabling Trinity. Father, Jesus and Spirit, address me by name, saying, ‘My song is with you’.

How shall I become more independent given my circumstances now? Is it even possible for the lament in my life to become a new song – yet this is my desire. So I sit for awhile, with my desire, in the mystery of the Enabling Trinity.

I relish being independent.

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3. Free... I breathe in the Spirit of Independence.

I am the wind instrument of the Spirit. I imagine the Spirit of Independence breathing a new song into me. I hear it deep within me, catch it, and breathe it out into my life and situation. I repeat as desired – breathing, singing, independent.

I conclude, giving thanks, with a new song of independence in my heart.

PRAYER TIME: 10 minutes.

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Click here to download the prayer of Independence.

One-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine

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Friday 24 February marks the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, a conflict with no end in sight, which has devastated the country and shaken the international community.

Thanks to your generosity the Jesuits have been able to support over 56,000 Ukrainian refugees in need during this traumatic time.

Watch the video update on the Jesuits' emergency response in Ukraine from our project partner Fr Alberto Ares SJ, Director of JRS Europe.

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The war in Ukraine has resulted in the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe in recent history. Millions have been forced to flee their homes, and millions more remain displaced or in need in Ukraine.

Upon the outbreak of this conflict, the Society of Jesus coordinated a global response through Jesuit Mission Australia, JRS Europe and Xavier Network in Ukraine, neighbouring countries, and the rest of Europe to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate those in need.

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Click here to read the annual report on the Jesuits' Emergency Response to the crisis - the One Proposal.

Click here to read the stories of the people you have helped survive this crisis.

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First Spiritual Exercises – Seeking Healing

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If you had walked in the way of God, you would be living in peace forever. Learn where there is wisdom, where there is strength, where there is understanding, so that you may at the same time discern where there is length of days, and life, where there is light for the eyes, and peace.

Baruch 3:14

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.

Isaiah 57:14-19

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1. Thanks...I give thanks for healing.

I come before before the God of encouragement and compassion, feeling God’s arms

around gather me up in welcome. I sift the day or month, with gratitude, for times I

have received or given forgiveness.

I ask the Spirit to intercede for me with sighs too deep for words.

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2. Review...Today I seek the power of Inner Peace.

In my present urgent situation, what do I desire healing for?

Is there a particular relationship, with a history, I would like to heal now?

Is there an illness of body, mind or spirit I would like healing for?

I humbly ask Jesus for healing. He breathes the Spirit into me.

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3. Healed... I breathe in the Spirit of Healing.

Then I imagine and feel the Spirit breathing healing and new life into me.

I breathe it in deep, wait, then breathe it out into my need. I repeat as desired –

breathing, healed, renewed.

I conclude giving thanks, moving from illness to health, with God’s answer to my cry.

PRAYER TIME: 10 minutes.

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Click here to download the Prayer of Seeking Healing.

Jesuits support over 56,000 Ukrainian refugees in one year

Today is the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, a conflict with no end in sight, which has devastated the country and shaken the international community.

At the outbreak of the conflict, with your support, our project partner Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe immediately provided emergency assistance, shelter and opportunity to refugees fleeing the conflict.

Through this collaboration, the Jesuits have been able to support over 56,000 Ukrainian refugees in one year.

“Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine. I thank our project partners in Europe for working tirelessly on the ground to reach as many people in need as possible," said Helen Forde, CEO of Jesuit Mission Australia.

While millions have been forced to flee, thousands have been killed and entire cities have been brought to the ground, JRS Europe continues to accompany those people most affected by the conflict.

In late February last year, when alarms and explosions became more frequent in Odessa, Maria and her three daughters began to panic and could no longer sleep at night.

They decided to leave, thinking that in a couple of weeks time the war would be over.

Once they got to Bucharest, they received a warm welcome from JRS Romania and were given financial support and shelter.

“I really hope to find a job here in my specialty (dentistry). We are very warm and comfortable in Bucharest. We’re not going anywhere else," said Maria.

Through the Jesuits’ One Proposal Program, forcibly displaced Ukrainians are receiving support across Europe, from immediate humanitarian response and emergency assistance in Ukraine and its neighbours, to long-term programs to promote and integrate refugees.

“We have been responding in Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Moldova, and Slovakia. We have also expanded to many of our JRS offices around Europe, where we now offer long-term programs to promote and integrate refugees in Spain, Ireland, and Croatia, among others," said Fr Alberto Ares SJ, Director of JRS Europe.

Over the next three years the program will continue to provide psychosocial support, housing, education and employment opportunities to refugees in need.

“It is really moving to hear the testimonies of so many refugees with whom we walk and who express their pain, but also their hope. These efforts are possible thanks to the continued solidarity of so many generous people, foundations and other organisations who trust in the work of the Society of Jesus," said Fr Alberto.

Thank you for continuing to support Ukrainian refugees in this time of great need.

First Spiritual Exercises - Seeking Healing

Let us join together in the prayer of Seeking Healing written by Fr Michael Hansen SJ, National Director of the First Spiritual Exercises Program.

Click here to view the prayer of Seeking Healing.

Thank you for supporting our sisters and brothers in Syria

It’s been over two weeks since two earthquakes struck southern Turkey, near Syria’s border. Thousands have lost their loved ones and are left without homes.

Thanks to your generosity, our project partner Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Syria is accompanying survivors of this tragedy and uplifting the traumatised.

“I want to thank you all for the support and the generosity in helping us stand with the people. We have completed the first round of the initial emergency response," said Fr Tony.

The Jesuits in Syria have been providing immediate food aid, warmth and psychosocial support to survivors. Life-saving winter kits are being provided to families struggling against the ongoing cold as Syria is now in the deepest part of winter, with sub-zero temperatures at night.

“It has been heartbreaking just speaking to people who have spent the night out in the open or sleeping in cars…So we’re inviting people into the safe spaces that we can offer,” said Fr Tony.

While Turkey is already having a formal Government-led response to the Emergency, in Syria this will remain a challenge.

Thankfully the Jesuits already have an active presence in north-east Syria, having supported refugees there for over 10 years, and they can focus their emergency response on assisting these vulnerable communities.

“For Syrians there’s a glimpse of hope that maybe this is a time for Syria to come together internally, however, it also needs the support of the outside world,” said Fr Tony.

Thank you to those who have donated to our Syria Earthquake Response Appeal. Your generosity is providing immediate assistance to those people most affected living in Aleppo.

First Spiritual Exercises - Seeking Healing

Let us join together in the prayer of Seeking Healing written by Fr Michael Hansen SJ, National Director of the First Spiritual Exercises Program.

Click here to view the prayer of Seeking Healing.

Syria Earthquake Response Appeal

On 6 February Syria and Turkey were hit by two catastrophic earthquakes that have claimed the lives of thousands of people.

In response Jesuit Mission Australia has launched a Syria Earthquake Response Appeal to provide immediate assistance to those people most affected living in Aleppo.

Your compassion in action will help the Jesuits provide emergency assistance to people who have lost homes and their loved ones, made possible thanks to a partnership between Jesuit Mission Australia, Xavier Network and Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Syria.

To support Jesuit Mission in responding to emergencies donate at the link below.

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“Our hearts break seeing the suffering of our sisters and brothers in Syria. Any donation towards the Jesuits’ emergency efforts will help earthquake survivors overcome this trauma,” said Helen Forde, CEO of Jesuit Mission.

The Jesuits are standing in solidarity with earthquake survivors and have opened their building in Aziziyé, which was declared safe, where displaced people can find shelter and support.

While Turkey is already having a formal Government-led response to the Emergency, in Syria this will remain a challenge. Thankfully the Jesuits already have an active presence in North-East Syria, having supported refugees there for many years, and they can focus their emergency response on assisting these vulnerable communities.

Click here to watch a video update on the Jesuits' emergency response from the Xavier Network Emergency Coordinator.

JRS Syria reports that there is significant damage in Aleppo, with thousands of houses and hospitals collapsing and becoming uninhabitable.

Vulnerable people are now homeless, shaken and frightened. Many people prefer to remain outdoors in the cold and rain fearing the aftershocks.

In addition, the people of Syria have long been suffering from decades of conflict that has displaced millions of people. Combined with the trauma of the earthquake, JRS Syria will also provide long-term psychosocial and mental health support for survivors.

“We pray for the swift and safe recovery of all those who have been injured and for the comfort of those who have been impacted by this disaster,” said Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General.

Jesuit Mission Australia stands in solidarity with the devastated families in Syria, and urges supporters to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

To support Jesuit Mission’s Emergency Action Fund donate at the link below.

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